Overlapping wings: A geometric morphometric analysis of Perithemis tenera and P. mooma (Odonata: Libellulidae)

Elme-Tumpay A.; Iglesias M.; Lozano F.; Muzón J. · Zoologischer Anzeiger (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2026.09.001

Resumen

The morphology of insect wings holds both functional and taxonomic significance, playing a key role in systematics and evolutionary ecology. In several Odonata genera, species delimitation presents taxonomic challenges, particularly in those with cryptic species or pronounced sexual dimorphism; such is the case of Perithemis tenera (Say, 1840) and Perithemis mooma Kirby, 1889, which exhibit overlapping morphologies and female polymorphism that complicate their delimitation, leading to conflicting taxonomic proposals.In this study, we combined traditional taxonomy with geometric morphometric analyses of forewings and hindwings to evaluate morphological differences and sexual dimorphism between both species in order to solve their nomenclatural status. We examined a broad series of specimens from several entomological collections, including type material and individuals from across their known geographic ranges. Additionally, we incorporated digitized wing images from the Targeted Odonata Wing Digitization Project (TOWD).Our results revealed consistent morphological differences in wing shape and size, allowing for the discrimination between P. tenera and P. mooma. Moreover, we document significant sexual dimorphism in both species. The application of geometric morphometrics to wing morphology proved to be a valuable tool for assessing intraspecific variation and sexual dimorphism. This study provides key quantitative evidence for the revision of the genus Perithemis and proposes an integrative methodological framework applicable to systematic research in Odonata.